How to Tackle Our First Look?

How to Tackle Our First Look?

January 6th, 2011 @ 6:07 pm by Mrs. Jaguar
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Sticking with the theme of photography for a moment, there’s still one fairly epic decision that needs to be made: how do we see each other for the first time on the big day?

The plan was always to stick with the traditional entrance, where the first time Mr. Jaguar would see me would be as I entered the church and walked down the aisle. We were both fine with this, until I started seeing more and more first looks happening – and yep, I became fascinated with the idea of having one. Mr. Jaguar preferred the traditional aspect at first, but he’s definitely come around a little more as I’ve shown him what I’ve discovered.

Andrew, one of our photographers, is constantly blogging about how much he loves shooting first look sessions, and honestly? I don’t blame him. The pictures and the expressions he captures are just perfect…you can’t fake those emotions! And since we’re both pretty quiet people, especially my shy groom, it could be a really nice start to our wedding day, something special for just the two of us.

Check out some of these priceless shots, captured by the Follans, of course:

How to Tackle Our First Look? : wedding photography sydney 2 2

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The thing is, we aren’t particularly short for time for photo opportunities. Our time line is going to go something like this: ceremony is set to start at 2PM, reception is set to start at 5:30PM. Since most Catholic weddings are a good 45 minutes long, that leaves us with over two hours for pictures…plenty of time.

Is my wanting to squeeze in a first look really necessary, or is it just complete overkill on the photo front?

To go with a special first look or stick with the traditional aisle walk: what are your thoughts?

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19 Responses to “How to Tackle Our First Look?”

Member

KaileeMarie (message) 50 posts, Worker bee

I’ve been debating this too! I, just like you, first wanted to have the first time he saw me to be when I was walking down the aisle, but the first looks are just too cute! Plus, it takes some nerves away and reminds the couple that it is all about them.
It can’t hurt to get them done, just in case you are crunched for time or something happens that you have to take care of in between, etc.

1/6/11 @ 6:44 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Glasses (message) 2,741 posts, Sugar bee

I don’t think you should cut the first look just because you’re worried about photo overkill! Do you and Mr. J think it’s more romantic and preferable to see each other alone before the wedding? For Mr. G, it was really important that he see me for the first time coming down the aisle, so that’s how we decided!

1/6/11 @ 7:01 pm (reply)

Guest

Holly

At first I really wanted to do a first look, mainly so that I would let out some nerves before the wedding and to save time on pictures (we’re very short on time and don’t want people to wait), my wedding planner, however, talked me out of it. She said that of all the brides she’s had, most that did the first look regretted it. Waiting until you walk down the aisle is not only a special moment for you and your groom, but also for all your family and friends to enjoy also. I’m sure a lot of people have done it non-traditionally and not regretted it, but I figure not to chance it!

1/6/11 @ 7:32 pm (reply)

Member

Miss OBG (message) 1,272 posts, Bumble bee

If you have time to do the full photo shoot after the ceremony, you could always do a quick first look with pictures beforehand, and save the extensive photo shoot for later. But I think that since time isn’t an issue, the first look decision should be based more on whether you want to see each other first (calm nerves, first moment private, etc.) than whether you want to do a big photography thing.

1/6/11 @ 10:33 pm (reply)

Member

lizzy1311 (message) 51 posts, Worker bee

We’ve decided last minute (I mean like 2 days ago and our wedding is Tuesday) to do a first look. It’s something we’ve debated over and it was always left up to me. We’re not a traditional couple and we’re not having a traditional ceremony. It’s a DW and we’ve decided to do the first look so we can walk down the aisle together Hope this doesn’t offend the traditionalist’s out there, but it’s our day - our moment together. We have no wedding party, just us. I’m quite excited about it actually, and we’re still having our photo shoot after the ceremony. I say you can never have too many pictures on your wedding day!

1/6/11 @ 10:49 pm (reply)

Guest

Marlo

I always thought we wouldn’t see eachother until we walked down the aisle, but now I am totally sold on the first look. Not only does it make for a good photo, I think it is so much more intimate. I have been told from other brides that it’s still a very special moment when you see eachother at the ceremony. Seeing eachother before might even calm some nerves :o)

1/6/11 @ 10:54 pm (reply)

Member

lifegavemelimes (message) 125 posts, Blushing bee

I love these pictures!!!

FI and I are still debating the first look idea. Pictures like this only make the decision more difficult!

1/7/11 @ 12:28 am (reply)

Bee

Miss Oatmeal (message) 221 posts, Helper bee

Well, we’re going with a first look because of time constraints after the ceremony. BUT, the main reason is exactly what you mentioned. It will settle our nerves, and it will be just us two, which we loooove. Such a personal moment that doesn’t have to be shared with everyone else. Aaaaand, you can never have too many pictures of your wedding day! Good luck with the decision!

1/7/11 @ 12:46 am (reply)

Member

MissMLE (message) 13 posts, Newbee

I think the first look thing is a fantastic idea! Wedding days can be so busy with family and friends that time can run away a bit - so having some time with your man before everything starts - and him getting the first glimpse of you on your own would be such a special moment that I think you’d be really grateful to look back on.

1/7/11 @ 5:21 am (reply)

10.

Member

Lexsy (message) 537 posts, Busy bee

Go for it, I think it gives you the opportunity to spend an intimate special moment with your FI before it becomes “public” with all your friends and family with you! I wouldn’t miss that for the world…

1/7/11 @ 5:55 am (reply)

11.

Guest

Sara

As a photographer, I think this is THE best way to start your wedding. First of all, it will be THE few minutes you two will get alone that day, and it will be magical. It will give you the opportunity to get some incredible pictures and have a few moments to compose yourselves. We try to be as unobtrusive as possible while capturing the sweet moments of surprise when your groom sees you for the first time. I advise all my brides to do it… and when I get married, you can bet it will be built into the timeline!

1/7/11 @ 9:39 am (reply)

12.

Guest

KMA

I’m doing a first look but mainly for timing reasons (I don’t want to go into the reception feeling super stressed b/c there wasn’t enough time for pics…). Also, the only other reason I wanted one is b/c I’m afraid I’m going to sob walking down the aisle and I’m really nervous about it. I’d rather see my fiance first and calm my nerves a little…

1/7/11 @ 9:42 am (reply)

13.

Member

vscheidt891 (message) 401 posts, Helper bee

The way we decided was that my FI couldn’t imagine a wedding where he saw me before i walked down the aisle. I want him to have the wedding of his dreams too.

1/7/11 @ 10:39 am (reply)

14.

Member

MUI831 (message) 728 posts, Busy bee

My mom’s one big request is that we not do a first look and the more I thought about it, I agree with it. Luckily for us (and unfortuantely for our guests, sorry guys) we have the catholic gap so there is plenty of time for pictures between the ceremony and reception. That being said, I really do love the pictures that I’ve seen of others’ first looks. We’ll have that too. . . we’ll just be in a church surrounded by everyone we love.

1/7/11 @ 10:51 am (reply)

15.

Member

Cant pick a date (message) 165 posts, Blushing bee

Still completely and totally undecided. Since my venue is the same for both the ceremony and reception (and out in the sticks) I really don’t want to make my guests leave and come back. On the other hand its my day and those who are coming to church will most likely live in the area (plus it is MY day). I just keep going in circles about the whole thing.

1/7/11 @ 4:43 pm (reply)

16.

Member

Sunlavender (message) 553 posts, Busy bee

We really can’t decide. I see the pros to both and as of now, it’s up in the air!

1/7/11 @ 5:23 pm (reply)

17.

Guest

Dawn Schaffer

As a pro photographer, it doesn’t matter how much time you have, first looks are AMAZING. And especially since you really want it, GO FOR IT! It’s not overkill and your photographers won’t think so either if they’re awesome. Plus, then you can get in other awesome photos between ceremony and reception instead!

1/8/11 @ 1:02 am (reply)

18.

Member

nicoliolihpf (message) 230 posts, Helper bee

Absolutely everyone whose blogs I read was really happy about doing a first look, and the one person who didn’t do one regrets it. I have struggled immensely with this decision, but if you want to do it, you absolutely should.

1/9/11 @ 10:28 pm (reply)

19.

Guest

Polka Dot Bride

I love Andrew and Sarah- beautiful choice Ms Jaguar!

1/17/11 @ 6:49 pm (reply)